Strictly Come Dancing 2026 latest: Cach Mercer and Jaime Winstone joint top of leaderboard as Delta Goodrem is forced to miss out

I’ll be back next week, when we’ll have said goodbye to another of our Strictly 2026 couples.

One upside though, is that Delta Goodrem will (hopefully!) return to the competition.

We’ll also bring you the result when tomorrow’s dance-off airs.

The voting is open! And it closes at 8.50pm so get yourself over to the Strictly website now.

The judge with the casting vote in tomorrow’s results show will be Shirley. And there are two extra special moments to look forward to: the pros are performing a Madonna-themed dance and there’ll be a special Dolly Parton tribute.

Oh, this has been a great episode, wasn’t it?

I feel like the transformations really helped the celebrities up their game and the presenters seem to be finding their footing too.

Emma and Josh feel like much more of a proper duo and Johannes is coming into his own in the Clauditorium (we still need a new name for that).

When it comes to the leaderboard, there’s a tie for first place: Cach and Maddie have 34, as do Jaime and Carlos.

At the other end, Sarah and Julian have 21, while Dani and Nikita are only a little ahead on 24.

Will’s scores are in! He’s received a 7, 8, 8 and another 8 – a brilliant total of 31. Will and Dianne’s highest yet!

What a lovely way to close the show!

Here are the judges’ comments for Will…

Motsi: “I love that you are so consistent. You come here, you are well-rehearsed, well-prepared. Keep going. I love your journey.”

Shirley: “You can be extremely proud of yourself. This is your best dance so far.”

Anton: “A brilliant routine. Brilliantly put together and brilliantly danced.”

Craig: “For me, it was a little bit stick insect-like. I just wanted you to actually calm down a little bit. But that was a complex routine. I think you did a fantastic job.”

Oh gosh, that was an emotional VT, wasn’t it?! Will and Dianne were both in tears as they talked about being parents.

And now we have the gear change of the century, for their Elton John-themed Jive. And for the final time tonight… what a wig.

Closing the show, it’s Will Best! And it’s Jive time.

After slowing things down with a Waltz last week, and impressing the judges in the process, Will is performing a Jive to Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock”.

Before we get to the dancing, he deserves a huge congratulations – Will and his (irl) partner Tabby welcomed a baby this week! So I can only imagine how tired he is…

Jaime’s scores are in… 8, 9(!), 8 and 9 – that’s a total of 34.

I really liked what they did with the timing there – slowing things down and speeding up again throughout the whole routine.

And here are the judges’ thoughts (also Motsi and Shirley are on their feet again!)…

Anton: “That is the best thing you’ve done in this competition. It was strong, dynamic, you had great power. It was immense. I loved it, well done.”

Craig: “You totally smashed that, darling.”

Motsi: “That was so clever. It felt like a piece of art. I loved the both of you mirroring each other. Well done, guys.”

Shirley: “The timing was good, I loved the character with the music. The whole thing had passion, I loved when it went slow, I loved when it sped up. I just loved it.”

They’ve saved one of the best wigs until last, I see.